Skimmer plug valve and method of using same

ABSTRACT

A skimmer shut-off or plug valve includes an in-line water flow unit that is adapted to be secured in-line to a skimmer suction inlet and an in-line water flow control unit which is adapted to be secured in-line to the water flow unit, which units are rotated relative to one another between a fully open position and a fully closed position to adjustably control the flow of suctioned water through the skimmer suction inlet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Ser. No. ______, entitled “Skimmer Plug Valve”, by Dean C. Beaton, filed on Sep. ______, 2004.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[Not Applicable]

REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX

[Not Applicable]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This application relates to shut-off valve devices. In particular, this invention relates a to a multi-position shut-off value device for controlling the flow of suctioned water in a pool skimmer system.

2. Background of Prior Art

Shut-off valves are well known in the prior art. However, there is a need for a new and improved shut-off valve for a pool skimmer system that is low cost, and very convenient to open or close for making pool maintenance and cleaning easy and efficient to accomplish.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a preferred embodiment of the invention a skimmer shut-off or plug valve includes a water flow unit that is adapted to be secured in-line to a skimmer suction inlet and a water flow control unit which is coupled to the water flow unit and which is rotatable between a fully open position and a fully closed position to adjustably control the flow of suctioned water through the skimmer suction inlet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above mentioned features and steps of the invention and the manner of attaining them will become apparent, and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a skimmer system, which includes a skimmer plug valve, which is constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a greatly enlarged perspective view of the skimmer plug valve of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the skimmer plug valve of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the skimmer plug valve of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a right side elevational view of the skimmer plug valve of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a left side elevational view of the skimmer plug valve of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the skimmer plug valve of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a greatly enlarged perspective view of the skimmer plug valve of FIG. 2, illustrating the bottom of the threaded water flow unit; and

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the water flow control unit of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1-3, there is illustrated a skimmer shut-off or plug valve 10, which is constructed in accordance with the present invention. As best seen in FIG. 1, the skimmer plug valve 10 is threadably secured in-line to a water suction line 12 of a conventional skimmer 11 to help facilitate maintenance and cleaning purposes of an associated pool or spa, such as the pool 13. As will be explained hereinafter in greater detail, since the skimmer plug valve 10 is hand adjustable and is mounted for easy and convenient access at the bottom of the skimmer 11, the skimmer plug valve 10 is not likely to be lost or stolen and eliminates the need for other kinds of plug tools. The skimmer plug valve 10 is adjustable to different suction flow rates thereby meeting all the requirements of conventional skimmer systems. Moreover, since the skimmer plug valve 10 is very convenient to open or close, the skimmer plug valve 10 also makes maintenance and cleaning easy and efficient to accomplish without interfering with the basic functions of an existing skimmer system.

To provide the skimmer plug valve 10 with durability and a high degree of reliability, the skimmer plug valve 10 utilizes for it major components, low density, rigid plastic as a preferred material. Environmentally friendly, this material is molded into the required component shapes, of which the preferred embodiment requires a cylinder form having an outside diameter that facilitates hand screwing the skimmer plug valve 10 into the water suction line 12.

Considering now the skimmer plug valve 10 in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 2-3, the skimmer plug valve 10 generally comprises a base structure or an in-line water flow unit 20, a top structure or a water flow control unit 22, and a biasing arrangement 24. The water flow unit 20 and the water flow control unit 22 are biased together by the biasing arrangement 24 and are coupled for relative rotational movement about the center longitudinal axis of the biasing arrangement 24, as best seen in FIG. 2.

The water flow unit 20, as best seen in FIG. 1, is adapted to be secured in-line to the inlet of the skimmer suction line 12, while the water flow control unit 22 is adapted to be secured in-line to the water flow unit 20. When so mounted, the water flow unit 20 and the water flow control unit 22 are able to rotate relative to one another about ninety degree to effect a suction line flow rate that is adjustable over a range between a fully opened suction line condition to a fully closed suction line condition depending upon their relative rotational positions with respect to one another.

Before discussing the use of the skimmer plug valve 10, it may be beneficial to briefly review the structure of the skimmer 11 as diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 1. In this regard, the skimmer 11 generally includes a basin or skimmer box 14, which is normally mounted immediately adjacent to the pool 13. In this regard, the skimmer box 14 is disposed in fluid communication with the surface water W of the pool, the suction line 12 leading to a pool pump (not shown) and an equalizing line 15 which leads to an inlet disposed well below the top water level of the pool 13. To facilitate flow of water W into the skimmer 11, a water passageway P, having a floating weir 18 is provided under the pool deck D of the pool 13, into the basin 14. Also, a diverter valve 19 is disposed directly above and spaced from the inlets to the suction line 12 and the equalizing line 15 so that water flow through the basin box 14 can be diverted away from the suction line 12 or the equalizing line 15 as needed for pool maintenance or cleaning purposes. In this arrangement, any debris that may be flowing on the surface of pool water W can be pulled into the skimmer 11 under the suction force of the pool pump via the suction line 12 and into a removable skimmer basket 17, which is mounted within the skimmer box 14. To provide access to the skimmer basket 17 and diverter valve 18, the skimmer 11 is also provided with a skimmer box lid 16, which covers the opening to the skimmer box 14.

Considering now the use of the skimmer plug valve 10 in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 1-3, in use, a conventional skimmer system is modified by threadably attaching the skimmer plug valve 10 in-line into the inlet of the water suction line 12. The skimmer plug valve 10 is then adjusted to affect a desired suction flow rate for the pool 13. Then, when the suction through the skimmer 11 must be arrested or interrupted for maintenance or cleaning purpose, a user (not shown) simply hand rotates the water control flow unit 22 relative to the water flow unit 20 to plug or shut-off the suction line 12 from the other parts of the water system. When the maintenance or cleaning task has been completed, the user again hand rotates the water control flow unit 22 relative to the water flow unit 20 in an opposite rotational direction to open the suction line 12 to a desired suction flow rate.

Considering now the water flow unit 20 in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 2-3, the water flow unit 20 has a unitary construction with an overall generally hollow cylindrical shape. The water flow unit 20 includes an outer circular wall 25 and a centrally disposed boss housing or quarter-ported section 30, which are integrally connected to one another. The wall 25 terminates in an upper lip 21 and a lower lip 23 and includes an outer wall surface 26 and an inner wall surface 28. The quarter-ported section 30 is integrally connected to the inner wall surface 28 as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 7 to help define four separate equal sized passageways or quarter section openings 41-44 respectively, within the interior of the water flow unit 20. A pair of passageway plugs or impervious walls 52 and 54, which are integrally connected to the quarter-ported section 30 and the inner wall surface 28, plug water passageways 41 and 43 respectively within the interior of the water flow unit 20. In this regard, the water flow unit 20 has only two open passageways, passageways 42 and 44 respectively. As will be explained hereinafter in greater detail, the water flow control unit 22 may be hand rotated above the passageways 41-44 in the water flow unit 20 to adjust the opening size between the water flow unit 20 and the water flow control unit 22, which in turn, to the open passageways 42 and 44, to effect different water flow rates through the plug valve 10. For example, in FIG. 7, the water flow unit 20 and the water flow control unit 22 are shown in an intermediate rotated position allowing something less than a fully suction flow through the valve 10.

To help facilitate interconnecting the water flow unit 20 and the water flow control unit 22 in-line for relative rotational movement, the boss housing section 30 include a centrally disposed lower post 32, which has radiating outwardly therefrom a set of passageway walls 45-48. The passageway walls 45-48 are integrally connected to the inside surface 28 of the outer wall 25. A centrally disposed upper post or mating boss 34 extends perpendicularly upwardly from the center of the quarter-ported section 30 to a distance slightly above the upper lip 21 of the wall 25. The upstanding post 34 includes a centrally disposed aperture 36, which is dimensioned for receiving threadably a self-threading screw 94 forming part of the biasing arrangement 24. The biasing arrangement 24 exerts a downward spring induced force to provide a sufficient rotational resistance between the water flow unit 20 and the water flow control unit 22. In this regard, the downward force is sufficient to prevent the water flow unit 20 and the water flow control unit 22 from rotating relative to one another due to the flow of suction water W through the plug valve 10.

Considering now the outer wall surface 26 in still greater detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 8, the outer wall 26 includes a smooth upper wall segment 56 and a threaded lower wall segment 58. The lower wall segment 58 is dimensioned for being threadably secured in line with the suction line 12. A pair of stops or elongated tab stopping flange members 60 and 62 partially extend along the upper wall segment 56 and are spaced equal distance from one another in an opposing manner on opposite sides of the upper wall segment 56. The stops 60 and 62 limit the relative rotational movement between the water flow unit 20 and the water flow control unit 22 to about ninety degrees which is sufficient to allow adjustment of the flow of water through the plug valve 10 over a range of different suction flow rates from no flow to a completely unobstructed flow. As best seen in FIG. 3, the stops 60 and 62 are disposed immediately adjacent to the top of the threaded wall segment 58. In this regard, the stops 60 and 62 also function to limit the distance the water flow unit 20 can be threadably received into the water suction line 12.

Considering now the water flow control unit 22 in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 2-3, 7-8, the water flow control unit 22, has a unitary construction with an overall generally hollow cylindrical shape. The water flow unit 22 includes an inner cap member 63 and an outer circular wall member 64, which are integrally connected at about their respective lower and upper lips thereby forming a smooth seat therebetween.

The inner cap member 63 includes a circular wall 65 having a pair of downwardly projecting tabs 91 and 93 respectively, a centrally disposed generally rectangular anchor member 50. The wall 65 and the anchor member 50 are integrally connected together by a pair of quarter section boss members or finger engaging members 67 and 68 respectively. The boss members 67 and 68 extend in opposite directions from the opposing corners of the anchor member 50 for defining a set of passageways or quarter section openings 70-73 within the interior of the water flow control unit 22. Passageways 70 and 72 are open passageways, while passageways 71 and 73 are closed passageways.

As best seen in FIGD. 34, an impervious wall surface is disposed at the top of the boss member 65 and 66, which are slightly spaced apart from one another. In the diametric center between the two boss members 67 and 68 is an aperture 79 that extends downwardly a sufficient distance into the anchor member 50 to accommodate the biasing arrangement 24, which includes a spring 99 that is sandwiched between a pair of washers, indicated generally 96 as best seen in FIG. 3. In use, the self-threading screw 94 is passed through the washers 96 and spring 99 and then guided into the aperture 79, where the screw is allowed to fall into the aperture 36 of the mating boss 34. The self-threaded screw 94 is then tightened until it is threaded into the boss 34 at a sufficient depth to cause a sufficient resistant force to be created for rotating the water flow control unit 22 relative to the water flow unit 20.

The rectangular anchor member 50 has a centrally disposed counter bore 74 with a centrally disposed aperture 75 that extends through the anchor member to its upper surface, which is disposed between the boss members 65 and 66. The counter bore 74, which is disposed on the bottom surface of the anchor member 50 is dimensioned to receive the mating boss 36, while the aperture 75 is dimensioned for receiving the self tapping screw 94, which forms part of the biasing arrangement 24.

The inner cap member 63 and the outer circular wall member 64 are also integrally connected to one another in such a manner to form a capture groove 69. The capture groove 69 as best seen in FIG. 9, is dimensioned for receiving and capturing the upper lip 21 of the water flow unit 20 when the water flow unit 20 and water flow control unit 22 are pressed together in alignment about the mating boss 34 and then secured together by the biasing arrangement 24. This lip/groove arrangement holds the water flow unit 20 and the water flow control unit 22 in perfect alignment and facilitates their rotational movement relative to one another as will be explained hereinafter in greater detail.

As best seen in FIGS. 2, 5-6, the flange stopping tabs 91 and 93 extending downward from the outer circular member 64 of the water flow control unit 22, interact and cooperate with the tab stopping flange members 60 and 62 of the water flow unit 20 to limit their relative rotation with respect to one another. In this regard, the water flow unit 20 and the water flow control unit 22 can only be rotated by about ninety degrees relative to one another.

Considering the use of the plug valve 10 in still greater detail, when the plug valve 10 is positioned in its fully closed position passageways 42 and 71 are in complete alignment so that their respective plugs 52, and 82 block these passageways from allowing fluid flow. Similarly, passageways 44 and 73 are in complete alignment so that their respective plugs 54 and 84 block these passageways as well. While this alignment block fluid flow as indicated, this alignment also allow free fluid flow through the other passageway pairs 41, 70 and 43, 72 respectively, which passageway pairs are also in alignment.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed, it is to be understood that various different modifications are possible and are contemplated within the true spirit and scope of the appended claims. There is no intention, therefore, of limitations to the exact abstract or disclosure herein presented. 

1. In a pool skimmer system, a shut-off valve, comprising: an in-line water flow unit adapted to be secured in-line to a skimmer suction inlet; and an in-line water flow control unit adapted to be secured in-line to said in-line water flow unit and rotatable between a fully open position and a fully closed position to control the flow of suctioned water through the skimmer suction inlet.
 2. The shut-off valve according to claim 1, wherein said water flow unit is a ported water flow unit to facilitate the flow of different volumes of suctioned water through the skimmer suction inlet.
 3. The shut-off valve according to claim 2, wherein said water flow unit has a unitary construction.
 4. The shut-off valve according to claim 3, wherein said water flow unit includes a threaded base, which is adapted to be threaded in-line to the skimmer suction inlet.
 5. The shut-off valve according to claim 2, wherein said ported water flow unit is a quarter-sectioned ported water flow unit.
 6. The shut-off valve according to claim 1, wherein said water flow unit includes a pair of oppositely disposed stops for interacting with said water flow control unit to limit its rotation to about ninety degrees relative to said water flow unit.
 7. The shut-off valve according to claim 1, wherein said water flow control unit is a multi-position water flow control unit to facilitate adjusting the flow of suctioned water through the skimmer suction inlet to different volumes of suction water per minute.
 8. The shut-off valve according to claim 2, wherein said water flow control unit is a ported water flow control unit to further facilitate the flow of different volumes of suctioned water through the skimmer suction inlet.
 9. The shut-off valve according to claim 1, wherein said water flow unit has a unitary construction.
 10. The shut-off valve according to claim 8, wherein said water flow unit and said water flow control unit each have a unitary construction.
 11. The shut-off valve according to claim 8, water said ported water flow control unit is a quarter-sectioned water flow control unit.
 12. The shut-off valve according to claim 1, wherein said water flow unit and said water flow control unit are spring biased to provide a sufficient rotational resistance to allow relative rotation only under at least a predetermined force.
 13. The shut-off valve according to claim 12, wherein said predetermined force is a predetermined hand force.
 14. A plug valve, comprising: a threaded base unit having at least two water path openings; and a flow control unit mounted in-line with said threaded base unit for relative rotational movement to adjustably control the flow of water through said at least two water path openings.
 15. The plug valve according to claim 14, wherein said flow control unit includes a least two water path openings and at least two water path walls for facilitating adjusting the control of the flow of water through said base unit.
 16. The plug valve according to claim 15, wherein said base unit and said control unit are coupled together under a spring biased to provide relative rotational resistance for preventing relative rotation except under a direct predetermined force.
 17. The plug valve according to claim 16, wherein said direct predetermined force is at least a sufficient force to prevent accidental rotation due to the flow of water through said flow control unit.
 18. A method of adjustably controlling the flow of suctioned water through a skimmer system, comprising the steps of: providing an in-line multi-position skimmer plug valve; threadably mounting said skimmer plug valve in-line with a suction inlet associated with said skimmer system; and adjusting said skimmer plug valve to provide a desired flow of suctioned water in the skimmer system.
 19. The method of adjustably controlling the flow of water through a skimmer system according to claim 18, wherein said step of adjusting includes hand adjusting said skimmer plug value between a fully open position and a fully closed position.
 20. The method of adjustably controlling the flow of water through a skimmer system according to claim 19, wherein said step of providing said in-line multi-position skimmer plug valve includes providing said in-line multi-position skimmer plug valve with a sufficient resistant force so that said step of adjusting is only possible under a predetermined hand and finger force. 